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The Bengaluru Autism Support Map

87 verified places across Bengaluru that support people with autism and their families, from first diagnosis to adult life. Free to use, no sign-in.

LURU

A Nav Prabhuthi Trust and LURU Magazine project.

Start hereWorried or just diagnosed Looking for therapy Nearing adulthood

Autism is not rare: about 1 in 100 children in India is on the spectrum. If you are looking for support, you are not alone, and starting early helps.Arora et al., 2018, PLOS Medicine

Inclusion is not endorsement. Visit, ask questions, trust your judgement. This map has gaps and is always growing.

Every organisation on the map

Seven kinds of support. Open a section to browse, a name for the full profile, or “see on map” to jump to the pin.

Diagnostic centres3Assessments, screening and a formal diagnosis

A diagnosis is often the first step toward accessing structured support. In India, validated screening tools like the M-CHAT and the Indian Scale for the Assessment of Autism (ISAA) are widely used. Wait times can stretch months, so starting the process early helps. These centres in Bengaluru offer diagnostic evaluations for autism.

Therapy centres49Speech, occupational, behavioural and developmental therapy

There are over 28 recognised evidence-based practices for autism support, from speech-language therapy to occupational therapy to developmental and behavioural approaches. What works well varies from child to child. These centres in Bengaluru offer different therapeutic approaches. Ask questions, observe sessions where possible, and trust what you see working.

Inclusive spaces12Inclusive schools, classrooms and play spaces

Emerging research suggests that autistic children who spend time in inclusive settings, alongside neurotypical peers, tend to show stronger social engagement over time. Play spaces, inclusive schools, and community programmes all create environments where belonging is practised daily. These are some of Bengaluru’s inclusive spaces.

Vocational & adult support12Work skills and independent living for adults

The transition from school-age services to adult life is one of the most under-supported stages. India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) includes provisions for vocational training and employment support. These organisations in Bengaluru help build practical skills and work toward independence.

Advocacy & family support2Rights, entitlements and help navigating the system

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing how the system works. Advocacy organisations help families navigate referral pathways, understand entitlements, and connect with the right providers. Research on family navigation programmes has shown that guided support significantly reduces the time between first concern and first appointment.

Professional training3Courses for therapists, teachers and professionals

The quality of autism support depends on the people providing it. Studies across countries have found that professional awareness and training remain significant barriers to good care. These organisations train therapists, educators, and other professionals, building capacity across Bengaluru’s support ecosystem.

Government services6Free government services and entitlements

India has free government programmes for autism and disability support that most families don’t know about. District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) provide free screening and therapy for children 0–18. Welfare schemes like Niramaya provide health insurance at just ₹250 per year. These are public resources you’re entitled to.

Why this map exists

Autism isn’t rare. Research suggests 1 in 100 children in India is on the spectrum — which means nearly every school in Bengaluru has autistic students.

Arora et al., 2018, PLOS Medicine (INCLEN Trust Study)

The earlier a child receives structured support, the better the outcomes. Meta-analytic evidence shows cognitive gains of 9–15 IQ points with early intervention. But that requires early diagnosis — and in India, families wait an average of 2+ years.

Kotsopoulou & Hallam; Daley, 2004

Girls and women are significantly underdiagnosed. The male-to-female ratio reported in autism research may not reflect reality — growing evidence suggests many autistic women are missed entirely.

Loomes, Hull & Mandy, 2017, J American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Know a place we’ve missed?

The map grows through suggestions from parents, therapists, and organisations. Send us a name and an area on WhatsApp. We verify every entry before it goes live. And if you know a family who needs this map, send it to them.

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LURU Magazine

Inclusion is not endorsement. Visit, ask questions, trust your judgement. This map has gaps and is always growing.